European country offers asylum-seekers money to return home

A country in Europe will offer a lump sum of money to resettle back in their home country. is set to offer money to leave the country, as Syrian nationals make up the largest group of asylum seekers on the island. Of each family that accepts the money, the main earner will be allowed to stay in Cyprus to work for up to three years.

Deputy Minister for Migration Nicholas Ioannides announced the measure this week, stating that Syrians would be eligible for the programme if they drop their asylum claims or their international protection status, which was granted to them before December 2024. The Cypriot minister announced that families who agree to the voluntary repatriation scheme will be given a one-off amount of €2,000 (£1,685) for one adult and €1,000 (£842) for each child.

Syrian couples on the island without children are also qualified to apply for the money. The application period will be open throughout summer, from 2 June to 31 August.

From the families who accept, the main earner will be granted special residency to remain in Cyprus and a work permit. This allows them to stay in Cyprus for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years.

The main earner, either the mother or the father, will be granted access to travel back and forth to Syria to see their families while choosing to stay and work on the island.

Upon the announcement of the scheme, Mr Ioannides claims that many Syrian nationals in Cyprus have already expressed willingness to return and resettle in their country.

Despite the eagerness to help rebuild their country, many reportedly feel apprehensive due to the uncertainty of job prospects in Syria, the minister said.

However, the aim of the money is to offer them financial guarantees while seeking employment in Syria.

4,226 Syrians applied for asylum in Cyprus last year, according to Asylum Service figures, making them the largest asylum group on the island.